Algeria's civil war. Image - Le Monde

Issues in World Politics 45-160 (1) - 2001 Winter Session Dr. Michael Dartnell Department of Political Science, University of Windsor Fall 2000

Tues and Thurs: 11h30-12h50.
Classroom: G133, Chrysler North.
Office: 1156 Chrysler North, Department of Political Science
Office hrs.: Tues. 13h-14h, Wed. 12h-14h, and Thurs. 13h-14h.
Telephone: 253-3000 (xtn. 2361) (office), 739-1979 (home).
E-Mail: mdartne@uwindsor.ca
Webpage: Online Resource Guide to Political Inquiry

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An examination of competing perspectives on international relations and of such critical themes as power, security, war and violence, imperialism, nationalism and the state, interdependence, development and underdevelopment, human rights and democracy, migration, environmental concerns and the quest for a new world order. A central focus will be the multiple processes that are altering international relations today. The notion of globalization and the historical framework of current international relations will be discussed as the context in which these processes occur.

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Course goals are divided into two parts. The first part provides an introductory overview of international relations. To achieve this, the course is divided into sections on basic concepts, influences, institutions and the processes. The aim is to critically introduce international relations as a field within political science. In this sense, the course material is not geared to problem-solving or advocating a specific point of view. The second and equally important part is skills development. Assignments emphasize different targets: organizational abilities, synthetic, analytical and critical thinking, writing skills, listening skills, initiative, and leadership.

No single university course can completely achieve either set of goals. Rather, university education aims to provide solid tools for individual development, personal enrichment and pursuit of excellence throughout lives and careers. The course is intended to be a context in which students build the bases for intellectual inquiry, self-expression and skill development in a highly competitive world. University study is a great privilege and opportunity for reflection and ideally provides space in which to hope and envisage a better future. To this end, debate and commentary are welcome and encouraged. At the same time, taking positions on potentially controversial subjects opens individuals to reaction and criticism and necessitates careful reflection as to the impact of words.

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Participation and Attendance 10%
Quizzes (2 X 5% each) 10%
Mid-Term Exam (Feb. 20) 25%
Paper (5 pp. - due March 20) 20%
Final Exam 35%

In general, "A" grades indicate excellent work, superior knowledge of a subject area or outstanding presentation of material (i.e.: fully researched, strong grasp of subject matter and articulate critical perspective). "B" indicates high or very good level of performance with room to improve in some or all areas. "C" indicates adequate performance and need to improve. "D" indicates poor performance, inadequate knowledge, substandard presentation and need to urgently attend to course materials. "F" is failure and applies to non-completion of assignments or entirely inadequate performance. "A" and "F" are rare since entirely excellent or disastrous performances are difficult to achieve. In all assignments, the goal is excellence. Achieving excellence is demonstrating knowledge of area literature, using terms and concepts introduced in the course, articulating a substantively critical perspective, and strong oral and written expression.

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A portion of your grade (10%) has been set aside for participation and attendance. Participation means that you attend class and follow discussion. If you show up late for class and attendance has already been taken, you will not be given credit for that period.

If you miss a class and want credit for the period, you must provide a note from your doctor, health services or another appropriate person explaining your absence. Failing this, you will not receive marks for the class.

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Quizzes and exams are an opportunity to express your understanding of course material in writing and to articulate a perspective. They will focus on terms and concepts used in class and in readings. Exams will emphasize essay-type responses. The quizzes have a short-answer format. They aim to provide early feedback and an idea of what to expect on exams. No quiz or exam will try to "trick" you by focusing on non-central material, but may prove difficult if you are not doing the readings. Do not assume that a concept or term will not be on an exam or quiz if it is not covered in class. The quiz schedule is as follows:

Quiz #1 - Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001.
Quiz #2 - Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2001.

During the term, expectations for exams will become clear.

The in-class mid-term exam will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2001.

The final exam will be written during the Christmas exam period.

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The purpose of the paper is to examine how international relations addresses or manages specific global problems. The problem or issue selected should be significant enough to directly or indirectly affect the lives of a significant number of people. An example of such an issue is migration. One way in which Canadians hear about global migration through reports on how groups of people try to illegally enter the country. This focus tends to play our own sense of nationalism and "fair-play", but ignores the broader issues. A paper could examine these issues as they pertain to Canada or another country.

Skills development is central to this assignment. The paper must be written in proper academic style. An important portion of your paper grade will be based on writing and grammar as well as proper citation of sources. If you do not know how to properly cite a book or article, please refer to a style guide. No style specific style guide need be used for this course so long as grammar and citation are consistent.

In writing the paper, you should examine the issue that you chose from the point of view of international relations and be sure the final version includes the following:

bibliography - a minimum of four book-length or journal sources.

Sources

At least four book or journal sources should be used in the paper. You should attempt to read as widely as you are able on the issue so as to understand the various perspectives on it. Books and articles from academic sources are the best source of information. Respected newspapers such as The Globe and Mail or The New York Times are also good sources. The Economist is an excellent source of information. Popular magazines such as Maclean's, Time or Newsweek sometimes provide useful background information, but are not acceptable as main sources of information or opinion. Web sources are acceptable, but not as substitutes for either book or journal sources. Students wishing to use a Website should look read "Thinking Critically about Discipline-Based World Wide Web Resources" (Esther Grassian, UCLA College Library) to decide if it is appropriate. Using proper electronic citation formats is also required and will affect your grade. If you do not know how to cite an electronic source, please refer to "Longman English Online Citation Guides".

Length of assignment: 5 double-spaced, type-written pages.

Paper due - Tuesday, March 20, 2001.

NB.: No late papers will be accepted.

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Texts and Readings

There are two required texts available in the bookstore:

Final exam : Monday, April 16, 2001, 8h30.

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| Online Resource Guide to Political Inquiry |

Questions? Please contact Michael Dartnell at: mdartne@uwindsor.ca.

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